Raja Ampat Indonesia is one of the favorite vacation destinations for tourists from all over the world. Its nature and underwater stunning scenery are the…

6 Raja Ampat Snorkeling Spot for You Who Haven’t Got a Diving License

By rai2 on August 24, 2018

Some people might think twice before they go to Raja Ampat only because this destination is synonymous with diving tours. What if you don’t have a diving license and don’t have any intention to do it? You don’t have to cancel your plan for a vacation to those exotic islands. If you can swim, try to enjoy the Raja Ampat snorkeling spot to watch various cute fishes swimming around happily.

The diving equipment is usually rented by the tour and travel organizers, but you can also bring your own equipment since it is relatively easy to carry (fins, masks, and snorkels). Although you don’t dive too deep, you still can see the beautiful underwater world of Raja Ampat Islands. These are the recommendations.

1. Biodiversity House Reef

If you want to see large squids in their gathering and breeding season, come to Biodiversity House Reed in April-May. No need to dive because you can see everything at shallow depth. You can watch them by snorkeling. Watching a clustering underwater fauna is certainly not an everyday view, isn’t it?

This place is located right in front of Raja Ampat Biodiversity Eco Resort. So, you don’t need to take a boat to visit this place if you actually stay here. Aside of the squids, there are many other marine species such as moray eels, turtles, and reef sharks. This place is also perfect for night diving.

2. Tanjung Putus

Does the name sound unfamiliar to you? Maybe it is because not all tour organizers list Tanjung Putus as one of the spots visited for diving. It’s too bad because this particular destination provides an amazing view and is one of the best spots in Raja Ampat.

This spot has a huge Acropora coral formation, nice walls, and is home to colorful schools of fish. Before you get here, you will be invited to stop by the Gusung Pasir (sands that appears in the middle of the ocean at low tide). You can swim and snorkel with schools of barracuda, giant trevally, also black and white tip sharks. The trip will end in the afternoon, but you will have time to enjoy the magnificent and beautiful sunset.

3. Batu Lima

Batu Lima literally translates to “5 Rocks”. It is actually an extension of reefs sit towards the end of the peninsula which consists of 5 interconnected rocks, as the name suggests. Not only providing exquisite scenery, you can even swim between the rocks during the high tide.

This spot is very popular with liveaboard boats, another unique way to enjoy Raja Ampat. Batu Lima located in Dampier Strait, at the southwest entrance to Kabui Bay. You don’t have to dive far too deep in this spot to watch the wonderful view of the underwater world. Just a few meters from the surface, you can already see the beautiful corals and other marine lives. Jumping into the water here, you will be welcomed by brightly colored gorgonians which are home to Wobbegongs, trevallies, and even whitetip and blacktip sharks.

Batu Lima has a diving depth of up to 24 meters with variable currents. However, no need to worry if you can’t dive because you can enjoy the beauty of marine lives not far from the surface. So snorkeling is possible too here.

4. Aljui Bay

Moving to other spots of Raja Ampat Snorkeling, there is Aljui Bay located at the north of Waigeo Island. It is a very pristine place because not many people visit this place. Feel the experience of visiting a place that feels like foreign, other worlds that is exciting and challenging to explore.

Aljui Bay offers a series of coral reefs passed by schools of small fishes swimming around. It definitely will pamper your eyes and make us thankful that we still found places with well-preserved beauty. Although it is not really a huge bay, you can still take your time snorkeling here since this place is relatively quiet with a calm current.

5. Sardines Reef

Hearing its name, you might immediately think about fishes usually used for canned food. Here in Raja Ampat Islands, there is one snorkeling spot to watch schools of these fishes around the coral reefs. That is the reason why this place is called Sardines Reef.

It is located between Mioskun and Koh Islands. If you want to visit this place, you can stay in Raja Ampat Dive Lodge located in Mansuar Island. This resort by the beach is also close to the famous Dampier Strait. Its strategic location makes the access to the islands and snorkeling spots are quite easy to reach.

6. Wofoh Island

Another wonderful spot for snorkeling in Raja Ampat is Wofoh Island. The north side of this island is a huge vertical wall with soft corals around the shallow region. This spot is perfect for snorkeling because you will find various fishes such as sharks, tuna and Spanish mackerel swimming around along this wall. Move to the southern region, you will be pampered by the stunning white sands and clusters of breathtaking corals ideal for snorkeling.

Then, how to get to Raja Ampat and immediately get to Wofoh Island? Although it might take some time, it is not that hard to get to Raja Ampat. First, you need to go by air from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong airport. From Sorong airport, go to the port and find a ferry or speedboat to Raja Ampat. Then, you can continue the trip together with the tour organizers. In Raja Ampat, you are not allowed to travel without accompanied with tour guide either an individual tour guide or from a specific travel agent. Wofoh Island is a small island, so you can stay at a resort on other big islands around such as West Waigeo or Batang Pele.

The dashing view of Raja Ampat will definitely make anybody want to visit this hidden paradise. Don’t worry if you can’t dive, because Raja Ampat does not offer diving activities only. Even if you can only swim, snorkeling can be the best option for you to enjoy the unique underwater landscape in this famous place. If you can’t swim at all, the ethereal beauty of Raja Ampat is still worth to visit and enjoy.

So, is there any other reason for you not to visit this gem from eastern Indonesia?